Proof on Main, Louisville

I have had some great meals but this past week I think I had one that ranked at the top of my list. I had recently eaten with some friends at Proof on Main, which is a part of the 21c Museum Hotel.I enjoyed the meal so much that when my sister, Nora and I were in Louisville last week,I said, “Why don’t we try Proof?’ What a wise decision!From the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional. Our server, Clint,was very knowledgeable about all the dishes, their ingredients and the preparation and was so patient with the two chatty ladies, who wanted to be sure they got the very best dishes. With his expert advice, I think we did. After some (an understatement) deliberations, we decided on the Rabbit Confit Salad, and the Smoked Amish Chicken. Clint brought us a new dish not yet on the menu to sample. It was a bean soup which was not your average bean soup. It was cannellini beans and pea greens, with a well flavored broth that made you want to lick your dish. Our salad was next. It was arugala, a peppery green, with rabbit confit, hazelnuts and with fresh grated parmesan and superb olive oil vinaigrette. It was garnished with a nice little grit cake. I could have eaten a plate full of them. By then, I knew that the entrée was going to be great and I was right. The chicken was smoked and served with a green and bread salad garnished with pine nuts. It was a half of young chicken done just right, cooked until tender, moist and juicy. You would think after that I would skip dessert but after sampling my friends’ desserts the first time I was there, that was not about to happen.One dessert I had tasted was the Warm Vanilla Pudding Cake and I was pretty sure that was going to be my choice. Nora and I decided we would order differently so we could have a variety tasting. Life is full of important decisions! The menu had several tasty sounding choices besides an assortment of gelatos and sorbets. We were particularly intrigued with a ‘Sea Salt Carmel’ gelato. Nora decided on the Pots de crème and we were pleasantly surprised when Clint brought us a sample of the gelato. Our desserts were as memorable as the rest of our mealThe manager came to our table twice to be sure every thing was OK. They were reasonably busy but the service was outstanding.The restaurant and the hotel both have an interesting collection of art but to a foodielike me, the plates coming from the talented chef and the great service were the bestdisplay of art. It is not an inexpensive meal but for a meal that is truly an event, I wouldcertainly recommend Proof.

That's soo funny! We had dinner there on the 14th and we had Clint as a server as well! He was the best!The best meal in Louisville hands down! We were fortunate enough that we were also staying in the hotel so we told Clint we were in no rush and to take his time. If you go back try the "darkened martini"you can see where else we ate at photoeats.com, just search on Louisville!Best to ya!